Huntsville honors its veterans ... all of whom are heroes

With 2nd Lt. Lance McLaughlin

It's a dank, damp, drizzly Monday here in Huntsville but the weather failed to dampen the spirits of those who turned out downtown for the annual all-volunteer Veterans Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets to pay respect and honor those who gave of themselves and their families to serve our country.
On Friday, to kick off a weekend dedicated to veterans and Wounded Warriors, the Madison County Military Hall of Heroes inducted seven residents: Fred Crigger, Michael Durant, Ivan Hirshburg, Dick Scales, Michael Rorex, James Wesser and Larry Wynandt. 
Crigger, Hirshburg and Scales served in World War II and were inducted posthumously. Wynandt served in Vietnam, Wesser is a veteran of Desert Storm, Rorex served in Southwest Asia and Durant served in Somalia during Desert Storm.
Their stories can be found at www.mcmhc.org/Bios2012.htm
Durant's actions were the subject of the movie "Blackhawk Down."
According to his bio with the Hall of Heroes, on Oct. 3, 1993, "Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Durant distinguished himself by gallantry in action while leading a four of four Blackhawk Assault Helicopters into an objective covered by intense enemy fire.
"He then returned to the area to provide over watch for the recovery of crewmen and soldiers from downed aircraft. At that time, his aircraft was struck by enemy fire causing severe damage.
"Despite the severe damage, he landed his aircraft upright." 
He was later wounded and captured by Somalis and held for 11 days before being released.
Like his other fellow inductees, Durant shuns the word "hero" because they were doing what they were trained to do.
However, with all due respect, I will argue, and I think I have a lot of people on my side.
You are all heroes and we salute you.